Sales & Business Development

📍 Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire | Hybrid
💼 Full Time · Permanent

About Us
Rivertex Technical Fabrics is a global leader in the development and supply of technical coated fabrics and films, with over 35 years of successful operations globally. As part of the family-owned Winter Group of Switzerland, we work with customers and manufacturing partners worldwide to develop and supply high-performance materials for a wide range of demanding applications.

Our products are used across industries including Marine, Medical, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Industrial and Tents & Structures, with an expanding focus on Outdoor, Travel & Sports applications.

With an established international presence, an expanding product portfolio and ambitious plans for future growth, Rivertex offers an exciting opportunity to join a successful business at an important stage of its development.

Our friendly and experienced UK team combines technical expertise with a customer-focused approach, working closely with colleagues across the Group to deliver innovative material solutions worldwide.

The Role
We are looking for a motivated and commercially driven Sales & Business Development professional to join our Rivertex UK sales team and contribute to the continued growth of the Rivertex Group.

This is an exciting opportunity to join an established and ambitious international business, with the ability to work directly with the executive management team and play an active role in developing new markets, customers and commercial opportunities.

The role combines management and development of existing customer accounts with proactive new business development, helping to grow our customer base and expand our presence in established and emerging markets.

Working closely with our internal sales, technical and purchasing teams, you will help customers identify suitable material solutions, support new product development projects and manage commercial opportunities from initial enquiry through to successful conversion.

The position offers a combination of office-based, remote and field-based working, including regular customer visits and occasional international travel.

Key Responsibilities
Sales & Account Management

• Manage and develop relationships with existing customers, identifying opportunities for growth.
• Build strong, long-term relationships with customers through regular communication, meetings and site visits.
• Understand customer applications, technical requirements and commercial needs to recommend suitable material solutions.
• Prepare and follow up on quotations, pricing proposals and commercial negotiations.
• Work closely with internal teams to ensure a high level of customer service and satisfaction.

New Business Development

• Proactively identify, approach and develop new customers and business opportunities across our target markets.
• Build and manage a pipeline of prospective customers, projects and new product opportunities.
• Research new market applications and identify opportunities for Rivertex materials.
• Attend customer meetings, exhibitions and industry events to develop new business relationships.
• Support the introduction and commercial development of new products and materials.

Technical & Commercial Development

• Develop a strong understanding of Rivertex's technical fabric and film portfolio, including product properties, performance and applications.
• Work alongside our technical team to understand customer specifications, material requirements and product suitability.
• Coordinate development projects with customers and internal departments.
• Maintain accurate customer, project and sales opportunity information within our CRM system.

About You
We are looking for someone with a positive, proactive attitude who enjoys working with customers and developing business opportunities.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Previous experience in B2B sales, account management or business development.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to identify and develop sales opportunities.
• Excellent communication, presentation and relationship-building skills.
• Confident working independently, managing priorities and taking ownership of customer relationships.
• Comfortable working with technical products and discussing customer requirements.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel for customer visits.

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience within the technical fabrics, coated textiles or industrial textiles would be particularly advantageous.
• Knowledge of PVC, PU, TPU, PP or other coated and laminated fabric technologies.
• Experience selling technical materials into industrial or specialist manufacturing markets.
• An understanding of technical specifications, product testing and material performance requirements.
• Experience supporting new product development or customer material approval projects.
• Existing industry contacts or knowledge of relevant markets.

We recognise that candidates may not meet every criterion. We are particularly interested in individuals with the right commercial approach, technical curiosity and motivation to develop within our industry.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and pension package.
• Hybrid working arrangements.
• Supportive, friendly working environment within a small and experienced UK team.
• Comprehensive product training and ongoing professional development.
• Opportunity to work with international customers, suppliers and colleagues.
• Direct exposure to executive management and the opportunity to influence business development and growth strategies.
• A varied and independent role with opportunities for personal development and career progression within a growing international Group.